Never Too Old

Steve Rudd is a friend of mine and preaching colleague in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Steve’s a unique fellow with a variety of skills and interests including his work in archaeology which takes him on annual excavation trips to Israel. Just prior to leaving for a 6 week “dig,” Steve received a call from his 92-year-old Mom, which Steve said left him at a “lost for words,” which is unusual for him.

Here’s Steve’s post of what happened.

MY 92-YEAR-OLD MOTHER: I AM LOST FOR WORDS.

I never saw this coming. I became a Christian 45 years ago, and yesterday, my mother, Sylvia Rudd, was baptized and pledged obedience to Jesus Christ her risen Saviour at the Jordan Church of Christ, established in AD1832.

Welcome to the body of Christ mommy! Happiest day of my life! Write my mom a note of encouragement below! (Here’s a link to the facebook post)  She reads it all! Or mail her a note:
Room 518
18 Plains Road West
Burlington, Ontario
L7T 0B3

First of all congratulations to Sylvia on her decision to obey the gospel. Lord willing, we look forward to meeting Sylvia this summer.

Secondly, this heart-warming account, reminds us that we’re never too old to change course. Never too old, to begin a “new life.” Never too old to do what is right. Never too old to follow Jesus. Never too old to obey the gospel and be baptized “for the remission of sins.”

I’ve seen family members obey the gospel later in life. My Aunt Margaret was well into her adult years with grown children before she obeyed the gospel. My Grandma Weliever was in her late 70’s, maybe 80. Also my Uncle Raymond was widowed and past the prime of his life when he was baptized. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to become a Christian.

Thirdly, I share Steve and Sylvia’s story to encourage those of you who have a friend, neighbor, or family member about whom you’ve hoped and prayed through the years would become a Christian. Don’t give up hope.

You never know what series of circumstances or life-changing events will trigger their realization that they need the salvation Jesus offers. Through the years Steve has continued to love his Mom, set an example of Christian living, maintain his spiritual priorities, and provide spiritual encouragement.

Never discount your Christian example. Your light-shine involvement. Your reflection of Christ’s character that influences others. It may be little by little through the course of weeks, months, and even years that its impact reaches a point where the very one you thought would never obey the gospel makes that decision.

The oft repeated proverb, “You’re never too old to do what is right,” is never more appropriate than when applied to your spiritual responsibilities and obedience to Christ.

Again, we congratulate Sylvia. And pray that God will grant her many more years to serve Him and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
–Ps. 92:13-14

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman